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Seed storage life in tropical areas is shortened by high humidity and temperature and the general inaccessibility to dehumidifying and refrigeration systems, resulting in rapid decreases in seed viability in storage as well as a high incidence of fungal and insect infestations. The dry chain, based on rapid and deep drying of seeds after harvest followed by packaging in moisture-proof containers, has been proposed as an effective method to maintain seed quality during medium-term storage in humid climates, even without refrigeration. In addition, seed drying with zeolite drying beads can be more effective and economical than sun or heated-air drying under these warm, humid conditions. In this paper, we review recent published literature regarding the dry chain, considering different crop species, storage environments and seed traits. In addition, we provide new original data on the application of dry chain methods and their implementation at larger scales in South Asia, Latin America and Pacific Island Countries. The clear conclusion is that the combination of reusable drying beads and waterproof storage containers enables the implementation of the dry chain in tropical climates, enhancing seed viability and quality in storage of many crop species. The dry chain approach can therefore significantly enhance seed security for farmers in many tropical countries. Finally, we propose actions and strategies that could guide further scaling-up implementation of this technology.

Seed quality is the set of physical, genetic, and physiological characteristics, reflecting the overall germination potential. Maintaining an optimal seed quality is essential for agriculture and seed banks to preserve genetic diversity. Compared to conventional methods (e.g., germination tests), non-invasive approaches allow a more sustainable and rapid evaluation of seed quality but this is limited by high costs. The measurement of ultra-weak photon emission (UPE) and delayed fluorescence (DL), defined as biological phenomena potentially related to the physiological status of living systems, may represent a suitable approach to estimate seed quality. To test this hypothesis, seeds of five agriculturally relevant legume species (Phaseolus vulgaris L., Lathyrus sativus L., Cicer arietinum L., Pisum sativum L., and Vicia faba L.), stored at different conditions (room temperature or -18 °C) for several years, were analysed using a LIANA© prototype to collect data regarding DL and UPE occurring after UV excitation. The obtained data were integrated with germination parameters which underline species-specific behaviours in response to storage conditions. The prediction models show variable efficiency in classifying seeds based on germination which underline species-dependent links between photon emission and seed quality. Therefore, these measurements represent novel, non-invasive, and rapid approaches to evaluate seed quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The article presents the results of a three-year field study that was conducted in Poland to evaluate the yield and quality of seeds and oil from traditional (SAM) and canola-quality white mustard (SAC) in response to different N fertilizer rates (0, 40, 80, 120, and 160 kg ha–1). Seed yields were 25% higher in SAM than SAC. The seeds of SAC contained more crude fat (by 3%) and crude fiber (by 6%) than the seeds of SAM. In turn, the seeds of SAM were a richer source of total protein (by 7%). The content of glucosinolates (GSLs) was 8–10 times lower in the seeds of SAC than SAM. The seeds of both mustard cultivars were most abundant in γ-tocopherol (γ-T) (90–94%). The seeds of SAC were characterized by a higher content of γ-T and a lower α-T/γ-T ratio than SAM seeds. White mustard oil contained mostly MUFAs (69–75%). However, C22:1 accounted for more than 50% of MUFAs in the oil SAM. In the oil SAC, the proportion of C22:1 did not exceed 6%, whereas C18:1 accounted for nearly 85% of total MUFAs. Nitrogen fertilization induced a significant increase in seed yields (by 33%), a decrease in crude fat content (by 3–4%), and an increase in total protein content (by 4%), and crude fiber content (by 7%). Nitrogen decreased GSL levels by 31% in SAM seeds. In SAC, N fertilization induced differences in the qualitative composition of GSLs, but did not affect the total GSL content of seeds. Higher N rates increased the content of α-T and γ-T, the α-T/γ-T ratio, and total T content. Nitrogen fertilization decreased the content of C18:3 in the seeds of the SAM. In SAC, the application of N decreased the content of C18, C18:1, and C18:3, and increased the biosynthesis of C18:2, C20:1, and C22:1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Soybean seeds are rich in protein and oil. The selection of varieties that produce high-quality seeds has been one of the priorities of soybean breeding programs. However, the influence of improved seed quality on the rhizosphere microbiota and whether the microbiota is involved in determining seed quality are still unclear. Here, we analyzed the structures of the rhizospheric bacterial communities of 100 soybean varieties, including 53 landraces and 47 modern cultivars, and evaluated the interactions between seed quality traits and rhizospheric bacteria. Results: We found that rhizospheric bacterial structures differed between landraces and cultivars and that this difference was directly related to their oil content. Seven bacterial families (Sphingomonadaceae, Gemmatimonadaceae, Nocardioidaceae, Xanthobacteraceae, Chitinophagaceae, Oxalobacteraceae, and Streptomycetaceae) were obviously enriched in the rhizospheres of the high-oil cultivars. Among them, Oxalobacteraceae (Massilia) was assembled specifically by the root exudates of high-oil cultivars and was associated with the phenolic acids and flavonoids in plant phenylpropanoid biosynthetic pathways. Furthermore, we showed that Massilia affected auxin signaling or interfered with active oxygen-related metabolism. In addition, Massilia activated glycolysis pathway, thereby promoting seed oil accumulation. Conclusions: These results provide a solid theoretical basis for the breeding of revolutionary soybean cultivars with desired seed quality and optimal microbiomes and the development of new cultivation strategies for increasing the oil content of seeds. 7196FtKvsnPuUrhB77D9vL Video Abstract [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cotton seeds have poorer germination than other crops because of their high sensitivity towards insect pests and other biotic and abiotic stresses during the germination process. In the present study, inorganic bulk and nano nutrients of zinc oxide (ZnO) and titanium oxide (TiO2) nanoparticles were synthesized using the chemical reduction method and invigourated with cotton seeds. The characterization of nanoparticles was done by FESEM, HRTEM, UV/Vis analysis and FTIR. The delinted and fuzzy seeds of two American cotton varieties (H 1300 and H 1098-i) were nano-primed for 10 h with zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) @ 400 ppm and titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2NPs) @ 100 ppm. After nanoparticle invigouration, the seeds were analyzed for various parameters at different intervals (0 months, 3 months, 6 months, 9 months and 12 months) such as germination percentage, seedling length, seedling dry weight, electrical conductivity, dehydrogenase activity, antioxidant enzyme activity. The results indicated that that different storage periods and nanopriming treatments had significant effects on all seed quality parameters except the effect of nanopriming treatments on germination percentage (excluding delinted seeds of H 1098-i). It is also revealed that the interaction effect of nanopriming treatment and storage period was non-significant on all parameters except EC. Maximum reduction in seed quality parameters was observed in control treatment and minimum was found when seeds were nanoprimed with ZnONPs @ 400 ppm. The differences in the response for both NPs can be attributed to their surface charge, and concentration used. Overall, ZnONPs and TiO2NPs could hold seed quality and vigour during the storage of cotton seeds of American varieties (H 1300 and H 1098-i). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vicia sativa L., commonly known as the common vetch, is an annual, self-pollinating legume used primarily as fodder both by livestock and wildlife. Additionally, it contributes to environmental balance through nitrogen fixation and the improvement of soil properties. The phenotypic, genetic, and metabolite variability among four advanced lines (BK45, BK29, BK23, BK27) and two commercial varieties (M-6900, BI-65) of V. sativa were evaluated in order to be used for future breeding programs aimed at producing genetically improved varieties. BK45 was the most promising line due to its high genetic polymorphism, but also because it exhibited a significant amount of seed production and high seed quality based on its metabolomics profile. A stepwise multiple regression analysis (MRA) revealed a relationship between SCoT alleles, seed, and biomass yield. Additionally, several statistically significant marker bands linked to metabolites were found using the SCoT marker analysis. Hence, data assessed via MRA may be helpful in marker-assisted breeding programs. Finally, the two commercial varieties can be further exploited in breeding programs due to their high genetic diversity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) can offer an alternative for staple food considering its tolerance to abiotic stresses and high seed quality. However, its cultivation in temperate regions has not been successful due to its photoperiod sensitivity and low seed yield. This study investigated the agronomical performance and quality traits of 48 accessions for cultivation in northern Europe. We conducted two-year field trials and phenotyped traits related to phenological development, plant architecture, yield components, seed quality, and disease resistance. The major determinants of seed yield in this study were days to flowering, days to maturity, thousand-kernel weight, and panicle density, while downy mildew susceptibility and stem lodging showed a negative correlation with seed yield. We developed a selection index to enable simultaneous selection based on different important agronomical traits. We evaluated the stability of different accessions over the two years of the experiment. Finally, we provided a list of 10 selected accessions that can be directly integrated and serve as new crossing parents in quinoa breeding programs for temperate regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seed germination vigor is one of the important indexes reflecting the quality of seeds, and the level of its germination vigor directly affects the crop yield. The traditional manual determination of seed germination vigor is inefficient, subjective, prone to damage the seed structure, cumbersome and with large errors. We carried out a cucumber seed germination experiment under salt stress based on the seed germination phenotype acquisition platform. We obtained image data of cucumber seed germination under salt stress conditions. On the basis of the YOLOv8-n model, the original loss function CIoU_Loss was replaced by ECIOU_Loss, and the Coordinate Attention(CA) mechanism was added to the head network, which helped the model locate and identify the target. The small-target detection head was added, which enhanced the detection accuracy of the tiny target. The precision P, recall R, and mAP of detection of the model improved from the original values of 91.6%, 85.4%, and 91.8% to 96.9%, 97.3%, and 98.9%, respectively. Based on the improved YOLOv8-ECS model, cucumber seeds under different concentrations of salt stress were detected by target detection, cucumber seed germination rate, germination index and other parameters were calculated, the root length of cucumber seeds during germination was extracted and analyzed, and the change characteristics of root length during cucumber seed germination were obtained, and finally the germination activity of cucumber seeds under different concentrations of salt stress was evaluated. This work provides a simple and efficient method for the selection and breeding of salt-tolerant varieties of cucumber. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of the study was to examine the influence of technology elements on the yield and quality of oil from various varieties of oilseeds, in particular, sunflower, rapeseed, safflower, camelina, and brown mustard. The effectiveness of various agricultural techniques (types of fertilisers, protection systems, and agrotechnical measures) to improve the quality and quantity of these crops was evaluated. The study was conducted for three years on the basis of the educationalscientific-practical centre of Mykolaiv National Agrarian University. The methodology included conducting field experiments with various agronomic technologies, laboratory analysis of the obtained plant samples, and determining the oil content. According to the results, the use of an optimised nutrition system and a combined protection system increases the yield of sunflower seeds by 15%, the quality of oil by 10%, and the use of innovative elements for growing flax increases the oil content of seeds by 8%. For rapeseed, it was determined that the use of adopted nutrition and protection systems increases the yield by 20%. The mustard examination showed a substantial improvement in the crop's resistance to diseases when using integrated plant protection. The findings confirmed the importance of choosing the optimal elements of the technology that contribute to improving the yield and quality of oilseeds. This issue is relevant since oilseeds occupy a substantial place in the agro-industrial complex. Increasing the efficiency of growing oilseeds not only provides stable profits for farmers but also has a positive impact on the food security of the country in general. Thus, the introduction of scientifically based agronomic measures is a critical factor for achieving sustainable development of the agricultural sector and diversification of oilseeds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was aimed at performing induced spawning of featherback fish (Notopterus notopterus) in captivity by administering ovatide and ovaprim hormones at different dosages. The study was conducted during the month of April, when the gonads were in the developing stage. Studied fish specimens were spawned successfully following two doses of Ovatide/ovaprim administration, which significantly increased the number of eggs stripped in female fish, i.e., 69.2 ±3.84 and 79.2 ±3.33, respectively. The gonadosomatic index (GSI) and hepatosomatic index (HSI) were calculated using body weight, gonad weight, and liver weight. The results indicate that the GSI in both males and females was reduced, indicating the release of sperm and eggs, respectively. The experiment shows that N. notopterus could be successfully induced to spawn using synthetic hormones, which makes it possible to conduct the breeding program of this species commercially. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To improve the expandability, seeding accuracy, and operating speed range of the electric drive system (EDS) of precision seeders, this study constructed an EDS based on a controller area network (CAN) bus and designed a motor controller based on a field-orientated control (FOC) algorithm. Full-factorial bench and field tests based on seed spacing (0.1, 0.2, and 0.3 m) and operating speed (3, 6, 9, 12, and 15 km/h) were carried out to evaluate the performance of the EDS. The results of bench tests showed that seeding quality varied inversely with operating speed and positively with seed spacing. The average quality of feed index (QFI) at 0.1, 0.2, and 0.3 m seed spacing in bench tests was 88.38%, 96.67%, and 97.36%, with the average coefficient of variation (CV) being 20.13%, 16.27%, and 13.20%. Analysis of variance confirmed that both operating speed and seed spacing had a significant effect on QFI and CV (p < 0.001). The analysis of motor rotational speed accuracy showed that the relative error of motor rotational speed above 410 rpm did not exceed 2.24%, and the relative error had less influence on the seeding quality. The average QFI was 85.93%, 95.91%, and 96.24%, with the average CV being 21.12%, 15.50%, and 16.49% at 0.1, 0.2, and 0.3 m seed spacing in field tests. The methods and results of this study can provide a reference for the design and optimization of the EDS in a maize precision seeder and provide an effective solution for the improvement of maize yields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study investigates the effect of ultrasonicated defatted muskmelon (Cucumis melo L.) seeds' flour-based edible coatings functionalized with oregano essential oil (OEO) on the postharvest shelf-life extension of sweet oranges (Citrus sinensis L.) at room temperature (23 ± 3 °C, RH: 40–45%) up to 15 days. The edible coatings (M2, M3, and M4) with increasing concentrations of oregano essential oil (1%, 1.5%, and 2%, respectively) were significantly (p < 0.05) effective in maintaining the quality attributes of oranges, such as physiological loss in weight (PLW), pH, titratable acidity (TA), total soluble solids (TSS), color, firmness, total phenolic contents (TPC), total flavonoids content (TFC), antioxidant activity (DPPH and ABTS assay), sensory attributes (aroma, texture, color, overall acceptability), and lower microbial load throughout the storage period in comparison to the control samples. The application of M4 treatment (defatted muskmelon seeds' flour-based edible coating with 2% oregano essential oil and ultrasonication treatment at 40% amplitude for 80 min) maintained higher consumer acceptability in sweet oranges on 15 days of storage with retained higher postharvest quality attributes such as physiological loss in weight (16.80%), pH (4.76), titratable acidity (0.63%), total soluble solids (11.89°Brix), color (L* = 49.84, a* = -3.07, b* = 41.59), firmness (939.86 N), total phenolics content (54.12 mg GAE/g), total flavonoids content (32.62 mg QE/g), antioxidant activity (DPPH = 64.16% and ABTS = 0.72 mmol 100 g−1), and sensory attributes (aroma = 4.77, texture = 4.36, color = 4.56, overall acceptability = 4.56). The control samples had unacceptable microbial and quality attributes on the 9th day of storage. The gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC–MS) analysis identified carvacrol, diethyl phthalate, p-Cymene, cyclopropane, trimethyl (2-methyl-1-propenylidene)-, linalool, terbutol, and thymol as significant compounds in the OEO. The results indicated that ultrasonicated defatted muskmelon seeds' flour-based edible coatings enriched with oregano essential oil are eco-friendly and sustainable alternatives to synthetic polymers for maintaining the quality attributes of orange fruits for up to 15 days. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Equidistant plant arrangements have shown positive impacts, in the United States over the last century, on soybean (Glycine max L.) yield and seed quality by reducing intraspecific plant competition and enhancing early canopy cover. This study aims to (i) assess the effects of equidistant versus non‐equidistant plant arrangements on soybean yield and seed quality across different regions in the United States; (ii) explore the effect of modified soybean plant canopy resulting from different plant arrangements on yield and seed quality. In 2021 and 2022, 13 trials were conducted in Kansas, Mississippi, and South Dakota. The treatments consisted of three equidistant plant arrangements of 13 cm × 13 cm, 15 cm × 15 cm, and 20 cm × 20 cm (620,000, 430,000, 242,363 seeds ha−1, respectively), and a non‐equidistant with 38 cm of row space (321,236 seeds ha−1). Soybean yield and yield components were collected, and canopy coverage (%) was monitored throughout the growing season. Overall, there is no evidence of any advantage of equidistant over non‐equidistant arrangements in soybeans. Yield differences related to spatial arrangement were observed in only three trials: the non‐equidistant increased yield compared to the 20 cm × 20 cm equidistant arrangement (lowest density) in two trials, while the 13 × 13 and 15 × 15 patterns (highest density) showed higher yield compared to the 20 cm × 20 cm arrangement in one trial. Furthermore, seed quality remained constant across spatial arrangements in the 13 trials. In contrast to prior research, our study found no correlation between canopy coverage development and yield improvement. The tested equidistant arrangement while promising did not provide substantial evidence of yield improvement relative to the non‐equidistant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Storage stability under non-optimal conditions is an essential characteristic of Sudanese sesame. To understand opportunities to improve storage stability in sesame, seed quality, storability characteristics, content of fatty acids and phytochemicals, and antioxidant capacity were evaluated in ten Sudanese genotypes subjected to high temperature (55 °C) and humidity (60% RH) for 16 and 32 days. The accelerated storage increased seed color, linoleic acid, fungal growth, and peroxide value, while oil content, oleic acid, water activity, phytochemicals, and antioxidant capacity decreased (P < 0.05). The germination rate and content of saturated fatty acids were retained despite the storage (P > 0.05). The landrace Abusundoug showed better storage stability than the other genotypes due to generally low fatty acids and high phytochemical contents. The differences in storage stability in the Sudanese genotypes underscore the need for their further evaluation and use in breeding programs to improve sesame shelf life and quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In soybean production, numerous strategies are utilized to enhance seed quality and mitigate the effects of biotic and abiotic stressors. Zn-based nutrient priming has been shown to be effective for field crops, and biopriming is a strategy that is becoming increasingly important for sustainable agriculture. On the other hand, there is a lack of information about the effect of comprehensive nutrient priming and biopriming techniques on soybean seed quality and viability and seed health. This study was performed to assess the benefits of nutrient priming with Zn, biopriming with Bacillus megaterium and Bradyrhizobium japonicum (single and co-inoculation), and combination of nutrient priming and biopriming on the seed quality and viability, as well as seed infection caused by Alternaria spp. and Fusarium spp. Three different laboratory tests were employed: germination test, accelerated aging test, and seed health test. The results revealed that all tested priming treatments have a beneficial effect on seed germination, initial plant growth, and reduction of seed infection in normal and aged seeds. Additionally, comprehensive priming with Zn, Bacillus megaterium, and Bradyrhizobium japonicum reduced the occurrence of Alternaria spp. (−84% and −75%) and Fusarium spp. (−91% and −88%) on soybean seeds in the germination and accelerated aging tests, respectively, as compared to the control, which proved to be the most effective treatment in both optimal and stressful conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of high‐quality seeds is essential for reforestation and ecosystem restoration; however, few Andean species have been assessed to determine factors influencing seed quality. Most Andean native tree species used for restoration are propagated from naturally regenerated seedlings or cuttings. We evaluated the seed quality (germination, viability, vigor, and physical characteristics) of a central Peruvian population of the keystone high Andean tree species Polylepis incana (quinual) in relation to the mother tree and microsite characteristics. Our analysis, using 12,912 seeds categorized by weight, included germination tests in incubator, tetrazolium tests, and vigor test (germination in nursery conditions). Results showed a mean germination rate of 30.9 ± 22.4%, with a significant proportion of damaged (38.7%), empty (19.1%), and non‐viable (12.7%) seeds. Heavier seeds exhibited the highest germination, while dasometric variables of the mother tree were not related to seed performance. However, solar incidence and slope negatively impacted germination. We conclude that seed quality may be higher than previously estimated, supporting the need to re‐evaluate and promote the use of seeds for propagating P. incana. Furthermore, since the characteristics of mother trees seem not to be relevant for this species and only solar incidence and terrain slope seem to negatively affect seed quality, we consider it important to change the paradigm from identifying individual seed trees to identifying seed forests. Conservation of natural forests as primary seed sources should be the foundation of future reforestation and restoration efforts in the high Andes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Canola (Brassica napus L. var. oleifera Moech) is one of the main oilseeds for edible and industrial purposes. For the evaluation of the physiological quality of a lot of seeds, the tetrazolium test has been considered as a promising alternative, due to the speed and efficiency in the characterization of viability. The present study aimed to adapt the methodology of the tetrazolium test to evaluate the quality of canola seeds. Alth B4 and Hyola 433 hybrids were used. The study involved the characterization of the initial profile of the lots by determining the moisture content, weight of a thousand seeds, first count, germination test, germination speed index, emergence, initial stand, emergency speed index. Pre-conditioning of the seeds was carried out, defining the soaking curve and the seeds placed to soak for periods of 10, 12, 14, 16, 18 and 22 hours, by the methods of hydration on paper and direct immersion in water and the adequacy of the tetrazolium test methodology as a function of different concentrations (0.075%; 0.5% and 1.0%) and immersion periods of 2, 4 and 6 hours. The results indicated that the lowest concentrations and lowest imbibition periods present a higher percentage of viability for canola seeds. It was concluded that the tetrazolium test is efficient to evaluate the viability in canola seeds with pre-conditioning of the seeds in hydration in paper for 10 hours at 25 °C, followed by the total removal of the tegument, in the tetrazolium solution of 0.075% per 2 hours at 30°C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Adopting adequate isolation distances is one of the very crucial principles and practices of quality seed production. Upon research and continuous evaluation, isolation distances for each crop, kind and cultivar have been determined in almost all cultivable crops. The development of hybrids through various mechanisms has led to redefining isolation distances in a few crops like pigeonpea based upon the principles of pollination ecology and the activity of various pollinators. Methods: Our study on the direction of male and female blocks, activity and frequency of pollinators and their effect on production potential and quality of seed was systematically conducted at various isolation distances viz., 100, 150, 200, 250, 300 and 400 m between female (A) and male (R) lines. Result: Our empirical information depicts that an isolation distance of 400 m between male and female parents reduces the chances of genetic contamination and hence the isolation distance in case of hybrid seed production of pigeonpea shall be redefined as 400 m. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Accelerated ageing causes seeds to deteriorate that affect the seed quality of groundnut seeds. Seed deterioration will cause metabolic and chemical changes viz., lipid peroxidation and autoxidation, leading to loss of membrane integrity and enzyme activities. These changes are associated with reduced germination and vigour. Methods: The groundnut seeds cv. VRI 8 was subjected for accelerated ageing at 40°C with 100% RH upto 11 days and evaluated the physiological and biochemical changes in groundnut seeds associated with accelerated ageing. Results: The germination and seed vigour of accelerated aged groundnut seeds exhibited declining trend which was well correlated with antioxidant enzyme activities viz., catalase, peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, ascorbate peroxidase and glutathione reductase activities whereas negatively correlated with electrical conductivity, electrolyte leakage and proline content. The decline in physiological and biochemical activity in accelerated aged seeds was associated with impairment in metabolic process caused by membrane damage during ageing and the inability of the seeds to repair and compensate the accumulated damage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Premise: Embryo excision is an effective, under‐described means of promoting germination in the sunflower family and may help to ensure the survival of endangered taxa or lineages with limited seed availability. Methods and Results: We describe and illustrate a detailed method of embryo excision used successfully to stimulate germination in a diversity of composites and that requires minimal materials and expense, using Layia platyglossa as an example. We show how this procedure greatly increases germination compared to control treatments in Madia elegans, a close relative of Hawaiian silverswords that exhibits physiological dormancy. Conclusions: This technique can be learned quickly and is highly effective. Embryo excision can aid conservation efforts dependent on minimal seed resources by enhancing germination and allowing evaluation of seed quality before or after storage, as well as synchronizing seedling development, thereby allowing for refinement of ex situ seed bank conditions and efficient use of horticultural resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To address the current issues of low intelligence and accuracy in seed-sorting devices, an intelligent seed sorter was developed in this study using machine-vision technology and the lightweight YOLOv5n. The machine consisted of a transmission system, feeding system, image acquisition system, and seed screening system. A lightweight YOLOv5n model, FS-YOLOv5n, was trained using 4756 images, incorporating FasterNet, Local Convolution (PConv), and a squeeze-and-excitation (SE) attention mechanism to improve feature extraction efficiency, detection accuracy, and reduce redundancy. Taking 'Zhengdan 958' corn seeds as the research object, a quality identification and seed sorting test was conducted on six test groups (each consisting of 1000 seeds) using the FS-YOLOv5n model. Following lightweight improvements, the machine showed an 81% reduction in parameters and floating-point operations compared to baseline models. The intelligent seed sorter achieved an average sorting rate of 90.76%, effectively satisfying the seed-sorting requirements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A field experiment was conducted in the mid-hills region of Himachal Pradesh, India, during April, 2019-January, 2020, to evaluate various insect management strategies, including eco-friendly approaches, against Tuta absoluta and other pests on tomato crop. Six treatment modules were compared to untreated control plants. Among all treatments, T4, which included lambda cyhalothrin, indoxacarb, rynaxypyr and novaluron, was most effective, recording the lowest number of Tuta absoluta larvae (0.43) and leaf mines (0.75) plant-1. This treatment also showed the lowest populations of aphids (10.49), serpentine leaf miners (0.83), and fruit borers (1.28) plant-1. T4 significantly enhanced growth and yield parameters, with the highest number of flower clusters (7.73), fruits (29.36), healthy fruits (23.23) plant-1, seeds fruit-1 (87.73), 1000-seed weight (2.76 g), and seed yield (5.32 g plant-1, 63.84 g plot-1, 149.35 kg ha-1). Seed quality was also superior in T4, showing maximum germination (87.25%), seedling length (16.14 cm), dry weight (1.88 mg), seedling vigor indices I and II (1,412.57 and 164.71), and germination after accelerated ageing (75.25%). The enhanced performance can be attributed to the collaborated action of eco-friendly chemicals, which effectively reduced pest populations, allowing the plants to utilize their energy for growth and seed development. This study underscores the importance of integrated use of pest management strategies in optimizing tomato production, seed yield and quality, highlighting the possible benefits for agricultural economies. This study identifies an effective eco-friendly approach using specific insecticides to control Tuta absoluta and improve tomato yield and seed quality while minimizing environmental impact. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Drought stress enhances cumin oil attributes, increasing essential oil percentage. • Synthetic cumin surpasses parental genotypes due to genetic mixing. • Enhanced drought tolerance observed in synthetic cumin, indicating superior resilience. • Synthetic cumin yields 27.84 % and 84.03 % more under different conditions. • Superior oil quality detected in synthetic cumin over parental genotypes. Climate change has intensified drought stress in plants, altering the chemical composition of medicinal plant seeds. Addressing the impact of drought stress is crucial, particularly for species like Cumin (Cuminum cyminum L.), a valuable aromatic medicinal plant. Developing drought-tolerant varieties and comparing the quantity and quality with parent genotypes is essential. This study aimed to investigate the effects of drought stress on the quantitative and qualitative traits of cumin seeds, including the content and amount of oil and essence, essence chemical composition, fatty acids, and oil body number in a synthetic cumin variety compared to selected parent genotypes over two cropping seasons. Drought stress significantly decreased seed yield, essence yield, oil yield, and oil body number, while increasing essence and oil percentages and oil body size. The synthetic variety outperformed parent genotypes across all studied traits under both normal irrigation and drought stress conditions. The improvement in seed yield of the synthetic cultivar, compared to the average yield of the parental genotypes under normal irrigation conditions and drought stress, was estimated to be 27.84 % and 84.04 %, respectively. Linoleic (53.08–60.03 %) and oleic (28.67–31.52 %) acids were identified as primary fatty acids in cumin. Under drought stress, the synthetic variety showed increased Polyunsaturated fatty acids (31.77 %), while parent genotypes exhibited a decrease. In drought stress condition, the synthetic variety consistently displayed higher levels of unsaturated fatty acids, and superior fatty acid indices (AI = 0.06, TI = 0.35, h/ H = 26.57 and HPI= 12.63), indicating enhanced oil quality compared to parent genotypes. Among the essential compounds, the synthetic variety recorded the highest amount of Cuminaldehyde under both normal (64.58 %) and drought stress (71.03 %) conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Micronutrient application rate and tillage practices are considered important factors in triggering the productivity of oilseed crops, especially canola (Brassica napus L.). The soil in the area is deficient in available zinc (Zn) and sulfur (S), which necessitates the supplementary application of these nutrients for sustainable crop development. The following study was conducted to evaluate the interactive effect of tillage and micronutrient on the growth, quality, and yield of canola and weed density. The present study was executed consisting of two tillage systems along with four treatments of micronutrients application including control, soil application of recommended doses of zinc (10 kg ha−1), soil application of a recommended dose of sulfur (45 kg ha−1), and combined application of a recommended dose of Zn + S (10 kg + 45 kg ha−1) during the crop growing seasons of 2019–2020 and 2020–2021. The results showed that the combined use of Zn and S under different tillage systems significantly affected crop growth, yield, and quality parameters. An increase of 0.99% in plant height, 6.33% in number of branches, 33% in silique length, 6.25% number of siliques per plant, 10% in number of seeds per silique, 4.64% in thousand seed weight, 0.74% in grain yield, and 0.42% in biological yield was recoded under conventional tillage practices as compared to zero tillage. In crux, the combined application of Zn and S at 10 and 45 kg ha−1 respectively, to canola crops under conventional tillage practices could be a sustainable option to improve canola crop growth, yield, and productivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Science & Technology of Food Industry is the property of Science & Technology of Food Industry Editorial Office and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Perennial warm-season grasses typically have reduced seed yield, making it essential to identify the critical seed yield components. An induced increase in nitrogen could help determine which components are most limiting. This research aimed to estimate seed yield components in Paspalum; evaluate N fertilization effects on the reproductive phase, seed yield components, and seed quality; and establish the pattern of seed shattering over time. Nine genotypes covering different reproductive periods were used. The experimental design was a randomized complete block design in a split-plot arrangement with three replications. The main plots had two nitrogen levels (0 and 150 Kg N ha−1), and the sub-plots contained different genotypes. Seed yield variation was mainly related to reproductive tiller density among germplasm with different flowering periods. Early-flowering germplasm showed an extended flowering period (159%), greater tiller density (27.7%), greater reproductive tiller density (157%), and higher yield (302%) in response to nitrogen fertilization. Seed-quality traits and seed retention were not affected by nitrogen fertilization. Seed retention over time followed an inverted sigmoid pattern, though there was considerable variation among taxonomic groups. Early-flowering germplasm exhibited superior seed retention. Seed yield in Paspalum is mainly influenced by the density of reproductive tillers and seed retention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding the trade‐offs between improving turfgrass performance and seed production capacity would improve acceptance and accelerate the release of new perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) cultivars. An experiment was designed to measure the turfgrass quality, seed yield, and component traits among 20 perennial ryegrass entries grown in turfgrass and seed production swards at two locations in Minnesota, a seed production region of the United States. Turfgrass quality scores, when averaged across collection dates, were not strongly correlated with seed yield at either location. However, data from several individual turfgrass quality rating dates were moderately correlated with seed yield at both locations (p < 0.100). Within the dates that correlated with seed yield, turfgrass component traits were regressed against quality scores. Crown rust severity, color, and density were important in the first year, and winter injury and texture were important in the second year. Plots with more fertile tillers were associated with higher seed yield and lower turfgrass quality (p < 0.050), but there was no relationship between entries in the two growing environments for fertile tiller production (p > 0.250). Entries that exhibited a faster vertical growth rate in turfgrass swards tended to mature earlier in seed plots, a trait that was correlated with higher seed yield (p < 0.001). However, the vertical turfgrass growth rate was not directly correlated with seed yield (p > 0.800). Few tradeoffs between the growing environments were found under the growing conditions and germplasm employed. Core Ideas: Turfgrass quality and seed yield in perennial ryegrass need to be maintained for successful cultivar release.Twenty populations were grown in seed production and turfgrass environments to determine potential tradeoffs.Few tradeoffs between the environments were found under the growing conditions and germplasm employed.Future work is needed to determine genetic correlations between turfgrass performance and seed production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Seed quality is the set of physical, genetic, and physiological characteristics, reflecting the overall germination potential. Maintaining an optimal seed quality is essential for agriculture and seed banks to preserve genetic diversity. Compared to conventional methods (e.g., germination tests), non-invasive approaches allow a more sustainable and rapid evaluation of seed quality but this is limited by high costs. The measurement of ultra-weak photon emission (UPE) and delayed fluorescence (DL), defined as biological phenomena potentially related to the physiological status of living systems, may represent a suitable approach to estimate seed quality. To test this hypothesis, seeds of five agriculturally relevant legume species (Phaseolus vulgaris L., Lathyrus sativus L., Cicer arietinum L., Pisum sativum L., and Vicia faba L.), stored at different conditions (room temperature or -18 °C) for several years, were analysed using a LIANA© prototype to collect data regarding DL and UPE occurring after UV excitation. The obtained data were integrated with germination parameters which underline species-specific behaviours in response to storage conditions. The prediction models show variable efficiency in classifying seeds based on germination which underline species-dependent links between photon emission and seed quality. Therefore, these measurements represent novel, non-invasive, and rapid approaches to evaluate seed quality.

Copyright of Revista Brasileira de Engenharia Agricola e Ambiental - Agriambi is the property of Revista Brasileira de Engenharia Agricola e Ambiental and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Purpose: to determine the effect of pre-sowing seed treatment and foliar application of drugs on the productivity and quality of the resulting soybean grain at various water availability under irrigation. The use of a biological preparation as an, inoculant which contributed to the growth of the necessary nodule bacteria on the root system of a given crop and, as a result, carried out the symbiosis of a legume plant, for the assimilation of nitrogen from the air and its conversion into a mineral compound in the soil. Materials and methods. Studies of this technique were conducted on light chestnut soils of the Volgograd region with a medium-ripened variety of own selection Volgogradka 2, bred by the All-Russian Research Institute of Irrigated Agriculture. The laying of experiments and related observations were carried out according to generally accepted methods for two years 2022–2023 on the lands of the All-Russian Research Institute of Irrigated Agriculture (experimental station “Irrigated”, Vodny settlement, Volgograd). Results. The obtained data prove the advantage of pre-sowing inoculation of seeds under different water regimes of this crop. At the same time, the increase in the yield of soybean grain, depending on such pre-sowing treatment, exceeded the control option by 0.40 t/ha under the water regime of 70-80-70 % the lowest moisture capacity and 0.54 t/ha not lower than 80% the lowest moisture capacity. Conclusions. In the conducted studies, the best option proved to be the option with a pre-watering soil moisture threshold of 80% the lowest moisture capacity in moisture layers of 0.4 and 0.6 m and pre-sowing inoculation of seeds in combination with leaf spraying with preparations of various origins, which contributed to a maximum yield of 3.91 t/ha and a profitability level of 242.10 %.

The development and implementation of energy-saving technologies for growing sunflower hybrids is a relevant area of research to ensure sustainable development of the agricultural sector and environmental protection. The study aimed to analyse the impact of different tillage methods on sunflower yields in southern Ukraine. To achieve this goal, a field study was conducted in the fields of the Educational and Research Centre of Mykolaiv National Agrarian University in 2021-2023. The study determined that the method of soil cultivation has a significant impact on its density, moisture reserves and structural stability. Reducing the intensity of cultivation, especially when using no-till, preserves moisture in the soil more effectively, but increases its density. With no-till, before sowing sunflower, it was 1.11 g/cm³ at a depth of 0-10 cm and 1.21 g/cm³ before harvesting, while with conventional tillage, the soil density was 1.02 g/cm³ and 1.1 g/cm³, respectively. In addition, no-till tillage provided the best sunflower productivity indicators, including 1000-seed weight (47.3 g), basket diameter (20.2 cm) and yield (2.6 t/ha). No-till cultivation also improves the quality of the sunflower crop, increasing the content of oleic acid (86.5%) and crude fat in the seeds (48.3%). The obtained results contribute to the development of integrated approaches to the introduction of energy-saving technologies in the cultivation of sunflower hybrids in southern Ukraine, which will increase production efficiency and reduce production costs

The seed production and quality of Pinus sylvestris seeds in forest plantations on the Crimean yaylas has been studied. The dynamics of biometric indicators of cones and seeds by year and in connection with the peculiarities of growing conditions has been characterized. Significant differences in the quality of seeds of P. sylvestris trees have been revealed in terms of the level of germination energy. It has been shown that, along with the temperature regime, a significant impact on the effectiveness of P. sylvestris reproduction processes is exerted by air humidity and the nature of precipitation, as well as the dynamics of air mass movement, since the success of pollination is determined by the quantity and quality of pollen that has reached the female reproductive structures. Based on the analysis of weather phenomena and the dynamics of seed quality, it has been found that the level of seed germination is best reflected by an integrated index that takes into account the combined effect of several factors – the dryness index. In addition, the results of the analysis allowed us to conclude that the efficiency of the pollination process of female cones of P. sylvestris under yayla conditions is most likely influenced by the number of hours of sunshine. The germination energy and seed germination differ not only within the studied plantations, but also depending on the year of study. During the observation period, the forest plantations of the Ai-Petrinskaya Yayla have produced the highest quality seeds. In 2014, in the plantations with a density of 0.5, the seed germination rate was 74.5±2.2 %. The lowest level of germination energy and seed germination has been noted in artificial plantations of P. sylvestris on the Tirke Yayla; in 2012, these indicators here amounted to 15.2±0.7 and 46.2±2.1 %, respectively. In general, the development of the generative sphere of P. sylvestris in artificial plantations on the Crimean yaylas is quite effective. Based on this, a conclusion has been made that the growing conditions on the yaylas are favourable for the implementation of the initial stages of the ontogenesis of the species.

Relevance. Eating a natural product of seedlings can completely replenish the body with missing vitamins, but there are problems in obtaining seedlings – damage to seeds by a complex of phytopathogens. Obtaining high-quality soy seedlings is an urgent task.The purpose of the research is to identify the main problems associated with the manifestation and removal of pathogenic microbiota in the production of vegetable soybean seedlings.Material and Methods. The seeds of domestic and foreign soybean varieties served as the material. Patent No. 2349098 of the Russian Federation. The determination of germination and infection of seeds was carried out according to GOST 12038-84 in 4 repetitions. Methods of disinfection of seeds: ultraviolet radiation and ozonation.Results and Discussion. It was revealed that the Hidaka variety has a high seed contamination of 48.7%, and low germination. The varieties Sibiryachka and Lydia have high germination, pathogen infestation is 6 and 8%, respectively. The contamination of the seeds of the Bar variety was a minimum of 2.7%, this variety was taken into further work. Pathogens from the genera Mucor spp., Fusarium spp., Alternaria spp., Pythium spp., Penicillium have been isolated. The phases of water consumption of vegetable soybeans have been determined, which makes it possible to determine the weight of the seed in a specific period of time and use the data for pre-sowing seed treatment. Ecological methods of disinfection of seed material have been tested – treatment with ultraviolet radiation, the use of ozone washing and ozonation of water. An analysis of the percentage of the yield of healthy and affected seedlings, depending on the method of seed treatment, showed that the untreated option has the lowest number of healthy seedlings – 10.76%. UV treatment of dry seeds and treatment in an ozone sink allowed to increase the yield of healthy seedlings to 14.24 and 14.30%, respectively. UV treatment of soaked seeds allowed to increase the yield of healthy products by 62%, and the option of using an ozone sink with further use of ozonated water allowed to obtain the maximum yield of healthy seedlings – 20.04%, which is 2 times higher relative to the control.

The article highlights experimental and field studies of the scientific problem of increasing the yield of soybean seeds by optimizing the main elements of growing technology. Improved standards for the depletion of major biological nutrients during the formation of units in soybean crops make it possible to specify the standards of foliar fertilization to obtain the planned levels of yield and removal of these elements from the soil. The obtained results are of practical importance, as they contribute to optimizing the nutrition of soybean plants due to the use of foliar fertilizers Ecoline Legume. This helps to increase seed yield to the level of 2.0–2.5 tons per hectare. The researchers also conducted a generalization and analysis of scientific results in the field of soybean yield management through foliar feeding. In addition, scientific publications on the influence of liming, application of organic, mineral and microfertilizers on the physicochemical and agrochemical properties of the soil were analyzed. The cultivation of soybeans and the rational application of foliar fertilization are economically beneficial methods, and in this case, the use of foliar fertilization Ecoline Legume to approximately neutral reaction of the soil environment contributed to obtaining the highest levels of conditional net profit and profitability. This confirms the high energy efficiency of soybean cultivation

Two lime tree species: European – small-leaved lime (Tilia cordata Mill.) and Far Eastern – amur lime (Tilia amurensis Rupr.) grow in the arboretum of V. N. Sukachev Institute of Forest, Siberian Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences experimental station «Pogorelskiy Bor». Small-leaved lime tree has 9–16 m in height and 10–36.5 cm in diameter, amur lime tree has 11.5–14.5 m and 7.5–21.5 cm, accordingly. Plants of both species are characterized by high winter hardiness, they are not damaged with spring frosts and rarely attacked by pests. The lime trees begin blooming in the middle of July when the sum of effective temperatures reaches about 800 degrees/day (42.2–43.0 % of the total tef > 5 for the year). They continue blooming during 10–17 days. A fruits – lime-capsules ripen in September. The small-leaved lime tree capsules were 5.7 mm in length, 4.4 mm in width and 23.6 g in weight per 1000 pieces, its seeds were 4.0 mm, 3.0 mm and 14.5 g, accordingly. Sizes of amur lime tree capsules and seeds were similar – 5.3 mm, 3.9 mm and 23.8 g for the first ones and 3.9 mm 2.6 mm and 16.1 for the second ones. The part of empty seeds in small-leaved lime tree was 70 % but the part of such seeds in amur lime tree was 30 %. At the same time, the good quality of seed samples of both species did not exceed 30 %. On the territory of the arboretum there is natural regeneration of lime tree, including self-seeding. It is the most abundant at a distance of 50–100 m from the mother plants, where its density is 25–41 pieces per square meter.

Porang (Amorphophallus muelleri) is an Indonesian parental plant tuber developed vegetatively from bulbils during dormancy and harvested through petiole detachment for the industrial production of glucomannan. Pathogenic fungi and whiteflies can cause infection during harvesting and storage, destructing plant cells as well as reducing seed quality and crop yields. Therefore, this study aimed to develop a calibration model for detecting infected and non-infected porang bulbils using a computer vision system. Image parameters such as colour (red, green, blue - RGB and hue, saturation, intensity - HSI), texture (contrast, homogeneity, correlation, energy, and entropy), and dimensions (width, area, and height) were evaluated on 90 samples in three positions. The results showed that the majority of image quality properties were significantly associated with non-infected and infected porang bulbils as showed by Pearson correlation values of 0.901 and 0.943, respectively. Discriminant analysis based on image attributes effectively classified non-infected and infected seedlings, achieving a model accuracy of 97.0% for correctly classified cross-validated grouped cases. Therefore, computer vision can be used for the preliminary detection of fungal infection in porang bulbils, as evidenced by its high accuracy and outstanding model performance.

Introduction: Environmental conditions play a prime role in the growth and development of plant species, exerting a significant influence on their reproductive capacity. Soybean is sensitive to high temperatures during flowering and seed developmental stages. Little is known about the combined environmental effect of temperature and CO2 on seed yield and quality and its future generation. Methods: A study was conducted to examine the effect of temperature (22/14°C (low), 30/22°C (optimum), and 38/30°C (high)), and CO2 (420 ppm (ambient; aCO2) and 720 ppm (elevated; eCO2)) on seed yield, quality, and transgenerational seedling vigor traits of soybean cultivars (DS25-1 and DS31-243) using Soil-Plant-Atmospheric-Research facility. Results: A significant temperature effect was recorded among yield and quality attributes. At high-temperature, the 100-seed weights of DS25-1 and DS31-243 declined by 40% and 24%, respectively, over the optimum temperature at aCO2. The harvest index of varieties reduced by 70% when exposed to high temperature under both aCO2 and eCO2, compared to the optimum temperature at aCO2. The seed oil (- 2%) and protein (8%) content altered when developed under high temperature under aCO2. Maximum sucrose (7.5%) and stachyose (3.8%) accumulation in seeds were observed when developed under low temperatures and eCO2. When the growing temperature increased from optimum to high, the seed oleic acids increased (63%), while linoleic and linolenic acids decreased (- 28% and - 43%, respectively). Significant temperature and CO2 effects were observed in progenies with the highest maximum seedling emergence (80%), lesser time to 50% emergence (5.5 days), and higher seedling vigor from parents grown at low-temperature treatment under eCO2. Discussion: Exposure of plants to 38/30°C was detrimental to soybean seed yield, and eCO2 levels did not compensate for this yield loss. The high temperature during seed developmental stages altered the chemical composition of the seed, leading to an increased content of monounsaturated fatty acids. The findings suggest that parental stress can significantly impact the development of offspring, indicating that epigenetic regulation or memory repose may be at play. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In developing countries, orphan legumes stand at the forefront in the struggle against climate change. Their high nutrient value is crucial in malnutrition and chronic diseases prevention. However, as the 'orphan' definition suggests, their seed systems are still underestimated and seed production is scanty. Seed priming is an effective, sustainable strategy to boost seed quality in orphan legumes for which up-to-date guidelines are required to guarantee reliable and reproducible results. How far are we along this path? What do we expect from seed priming? This brings to other relevant questions. What is the socioeconomic relevance of orphan legumes in the Mediterranean Basin? How to potentiate a broader cultivation in specific regions? The case study of the BENEFIT-Med (Boosting technologies of orphan legumes towards resilient farming systems) project, developed by multidisciplinary research networks, envisions a roadmap for producing new knowledge and innovative technologies to improve seed productivity through priming, with the long-term objective of promoting sustainability and food security for/in the climatesensitive regions. This review highlights the existing drawbacks that must be overcome before orphan legumes could reach the state of 'climate-ready crops'. Only by the integration of knowledge in seed biology, technology and agronomy, the barrier existing between research bench and local agricultural fields may be overcome, generating high-impact technical innovations for orphan legumes. We intend to provide a powerful message to encourage future research in line with the United Nations Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seeds, considered as the foundation of agriculture, are invaded by a broad spectrum of seed-borne pathogens. The current study aimed to control seed-borne fungal pathogens of wheat, Aspergillus flavus and A. niger, by using Ag+ nanochitosan (Ag-NC) for nano-priming of seeds and enhancing seed quality. Nanochitosan (NC) and Ag-NC were synthesized using the gelation method and characterized by UV–vis spectrophotometry, FESEM, EDXS, and HRTEM. NC and Ag-NC showed irregular surface topography with an average particle size of 275 and 325 nm, respectively. Antifungal activity of both the nanoparticles at 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, and 0.5 mg/mL revealed that Ag-NC at 0.5 mg/mL has completely terminated the mycelial growth of both pathogens. Malonaldehyde content increased to 77.77% in A. flavus and 82.66% in A. niger when exposed to 0.5 mg/mL Ag-NC. High-intensity fluorescence due to oxidative stress was observed in Ag-NC-treated pathogens. Ultra-structural changes in Ag-NC treated pathogenic spores under SEM displayed pronounced membrane damages. Wheat seeds were nano-primed with NC and Ag-NC at 0.5 mg/mL, and fungal load was examined to evaluate the mitigation of pathogenic stress and its effect on seedling growth promotion activity. Ag-NC priming reduced the fungal load and allowed successful seed germination. Ag-NC priming increased the albumin, gliadin, gluten, and glutenin content along with total phenol, reducing sugar and starch levels. Ag-NC priming increased the overall protein levels traced through SDS-PAGE. Seed priming with Ag-NC promotes seed germination, mean germination time, stress tolerance index, vigour, etc. NC and Ag-NC at 0.5 mg/mL showed no cytotoxic effect on the Human Embryonic Kidney (HEK293) cell line that ensures the nanoparticles are non-toxic. Thus, the synthesized nanoparticles exhibit a dual role in antifungal activity and plant growth promotion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aiming at the problem of poor uniformity of maize sowing caused by ground wheel slip, an electronic control seed-metering system (ECSMS) for maize single seed precision sowing was designed and a mathematical model for motor control of the ECSMS was determined. The PID parameters were set by Z-N method and fuzzy control. The fuzzy PID control design and Simulink simulation were completed by MATLAB, which reduced response time of the system by 0.23 s and improved the control accuracy. Experiments on the JPS-12 test bench show that the qualification index (QI) of maize seed-metering device with the ECSMS increases by 4.47%, the multiples index (MI) decreases by 1.96%, the miss index (MIX) decreases by 2.81%, and the coefficient of variation (CV) of qualified seed spacing decreases by 5.06%, and the sowing uniformity has been greatly improved. Test results of the soil-tank test bench show that the system has good sowing uniformity and stability. And the QI is 96.74%, the MI is 2.15%, the MIX is 1.10%, and the CV of qualified seed spacing is 16.24%. Under different setting seed spacing and different sowing operation speed, the change range of seeding quality index was within 10%. The results of field sowing test show that the QI was 84.21%, the MI was 2.63%, the MIX was 7.89%, and the CV of qualified seed spacing was 22.15%, which meet the requirements of JB/T 10293-2013 ‘Specification for single seed planters (precision planters)’ and the agronomic requirements for maize precision sowing. The system runs stably and reliably in practical operation and has good operation performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The presence of microparticle viruses significantly impacts the quality of silkworm seeds for domestic sericulture, making their exclusion from detection in silkworm seed production crucial. Traditional methods for detecting microparticle viruses in silkworms, such as manual microscopic observation, molecular biology, and immunological approaches, are cumbersome and unable to achieve intelligent, batch real-time detection. To address this challenge, we employ the YOLOv8 algorithm in this paper. Firstly, NAM attention is introduced in the original algorithm's Backbone component, allowing the model to extract more generic feature information. Secondly, ODConv replaces Conv in the Head component of the original algorithm, enhancing the model's ability to identify microparticle viruses. Finally, NWD-LOSS modifies the CIoU loss of the original algorithm to obtain a more accurate prediction box. Experimental results demonstrate that the NN-YOLOv8 model outperforms mainstream detection algorithms in detecting silkworm microparticle diseases. With an average detection time of 22.6 milliseconds per image, the model shows promising prospects for future applications. This model improvement enhances detection efficiency and reduces human resource costs, effectively realizing detection intelligence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aegilops species are important crop wild relatives (CWR) characterised by seed heteromorphism. Within each spikelet seeds differ in terms of size, colour, phenology, abiotic stress tolerance among others. although the seed heteromorphism in Aegilops has a genetic component, the level of plasticity of this character has been poorly investigated. To fill this gap, we measured the effect of fertilization on seed heteromorphism in nine Aegilops species, to understand if nutrient availability can affect the reproductive ecology in this important CWR genus. We measured the number of stems per plant, number spikelets per stem, total dry plant biomass, seed weight and germination percentage in fertilized and control (non-fertilized) plants. Fertilization did not affect heteromorphism but increased the biomass and the number of flowering stems (hence spikelets and seeds) in fertilized plants. However, seeds produced by fertilized plants showed significantly lower germination than control plants, in a sort of trade-off between seed quantity and seed quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Specialty crops enhance food security, biodiversity, and economic resilience, relying on high-quality seeds. However, there is a gap in understanding how to enhance seed quality under specific conditions. This study addresses this gap by proposing that optimizing harvesting and drying can improve specialty crop seed quality. A literature review spanning 2000–2023 was conducted, followed by a meta-analysis to measure effect sizes. From an initial pool of 1589 documents, 45 met the criteria for further analysis. The results indicated that harvesting seeds at intermediate times significantly increased the logarithmic response ratio (LRR), with LRRs of 1.7 for germination and 2 for seedling count compared with early harvesting. Regarding drying methods, no significant differences were found between artificial and natural methods. However, optimal drying temperatures (30–60 °C) were identified, ensuring adequate moisture levels (10–20%) for a germination percentage of 50–100%. The variability in these findings was attributed to the twelve diverse species analyzed. Although the results supported the study's hypothesis, limited and inconsistent data prevented the determination of optimal conditions for each species, indicating a need for further research. Despite these limitations, the study provides insights into optimizing harvesting and drying to enhance seed quality in specialty crops, contributing to emerging science in this domain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]